Hyundai Partners With Apple And Google For Next-Gen Car Tech

Hyundai is heading to the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show next week to showcase the next generation of its Blue Link telematics and infotainment system.

The new system is designed to incorporate the best of Apple and Google technology along with features from several other industry giants.

Hyundai’s new Blue Link system will integrate Apple’s popular Siri voice-activated intelligent assistant, which will be able to help drivers get things done just by asking.

One of the big-ticket items for iPhone users will be the adoption of Apple’s much-anticipated Eyes Free system. This feature provides the driver with voice-activated control of their smartphone’s functions as well, such as navigation, reservation bookings, texting or calling, and numerous others.

For mapping duties, Hyundai is calling on Google to integrate its latest Google Maps services for the new Blue Link system. New features supported by the integration of Google Maps will include Send to Car, Point of Interest Search and Local Search by Voice. These services will help drivers easily find points of interest and get to destinations more accurately and reliably using Google's continuously updated map database.

Hyundai is also working with technology firm Nuance on new natural speaking voice-activation technology.

On top of this, Hyundai is also developing Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) systems for its cars, which can deliver 1080p uncompressed video with up to eight channels of digital audio from a mobile device to a dashboard display--all while charging the device.

And if that’s not enough the automaker also plans to install the latest Bluetooth and Wi-Fi/3G connectivity technologies to provide mobile Internet access. Users will also have full access to popular entertainment features like Pandora, HD Radio and SIRIUSXM.

Hyundai hasn’t mentioned what model the next-generation Blue Link system will debut on but expect it to appear in higher trims before filtering down to more affordable models. Many of the features are also slated to appear on some models from sister-brand Kia.